Kind of a big deal

It's easier to lose out on a Grammy when you never expected a nomination in the first place. When word of Killswitch Engage's nomination for 2005 Best Metal Performance came in, the band called it "the most ridiculous thing ever."

So when Motorhead's Whiplash beat out KsE's The End of Heartache, there were no hard feelings. And when it came time to produce a follow-up to the Grammy-nominated album, there was no pressure.

"Nobody told us it was a big deal," says Killswitch drummer Justin Foley. "We just put a few pauses in between [the music]. And we had a record."

He sounds serious enough until his own laughter breaks the silence.

Actually, it's fitting. Killswitch Engage isn't exactly known for taking itself too seriously. On stage, guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz wears cutoffs and a cape as the rest of the band members run around, playing their instruments and trying to stomp on each other's feet. Off stage, they're Will Ferrell fanatics, their tour bus DVD player a revolving door of his past works.

On Nov. 21, the band's follow-up, As Daylight Dies, will hit stores. It's tough to imagine the bunch of goofballs creating such serious music, but the riffs are loud, the drum and bass lines are invigorating, and lead singer Howard Jones' melodic vocals never cease to amaze. One early review calls the album "addictive." And while listening to songs like "My Curse" and "The Arms of Sorrow," it's tough to disagree.

Unless, of course, you're in the band.

"A lot of people who are addicted to crack don't like [crack]," Foley says sincerely enough.

And then comes the familiar laughter.

"No, I guess it's cool," he says.

Capsule

Killswitch Engage with All That Remains, Bury Your Dead and 2 Cents

The Black Sheep, 2106 E. Platte Ave.

Friday, Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m.

Show is sold out; look for $23 tickets at or around the venue Friday night.